Reviewed byZhanar Tulegenova, MDPsychiatrist and psychotherapist, experience 18 years · updated 8 Nov 2026
Key facts
- Who provides it
- A psychiatrist holding a valid specialist certificate
- Where
- By video call from home, the office or abroad
- Duration
- First appointment 40–60 minutes, follow-up 25–40 minutes
- Anonymity
- Medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, no registry entry
- When it is urgent
- Suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, aggression — call 103 or 112
- Outcome
- A preliminary conclusion, a care plan and recommendations on further tests
What you should know
An online psychiatrist consultation is a medical appointment format in its own right, not a substitute for every in-person visit. Over video, the doctor conducts the same structured interview as in the office: they clarify your complaints, how long they have lasted and how they have changed, past illnesses, and any medications or psychoactive substances you take, and they assess your speech, thinking, emotional state and any risk to life. At the end, the psychiatrist gives a preliminary conclusion and a plan: what to do next, which tests are needed, and whether an in-person examination is required.
This format is convenient when a person is not ready to go to a clinic straight away, lives far from one, works shifts, or first wants to understand whether they need a psychiatrist at all. An online psychiatrist consultation in Kazakhstan is available from any device with a camera and a stable internet connection. Consultations for family members are a separate service: the doctor explains how to recognize when someone is getting worse, how to talk to your loved one, and when you need to request a home visit from a psychiatrist or call 103.
When to Book an Online Psychiatrist Consultation
- low mood, apathy and loss of interest in activities lasting more than two weeks
- constant anxiety, inner tension and worry without an obvious reason
- panic attacks with a racing heart, shortness of breath and fear of dying
- sleep problems: difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking, waking too early
- intrusive thoughts or repetitive actions that are hard to get rid of on your own
- a need to review how previously prescribed treatment is working and check for side effects
- questions from relatives about a loved one's behavior and where to turn for help
If two or three points apply, it is worth seeing a doctor. Phone advice is free and confidential. If life is at risk, call 103 or 112.
What an Online Appointment Includes — and Its Limits
An online appointment includes: taking your complaints and medical history; assessing your mental status through conversation and observation; standardized questionnaires where needed (for example, anxiety and depression rating scales); a suicide risk assessment; a preliminary diagnostic hypothesis based on ICD-10; and a plan of next steps. The doctor explains which tests and examinations are worth having to rule out physical causes of the symptoms, such as thyroid problems or anemia.
The limits of the format are defined by common sense and clinical guidelines: over video, a doctor cannot perform a physical examination or a neurological exam, measure blood pressure or assess signs of intoxication. That is why a final diagnosis of a newly identified severe disorder, the selection of complex treatment, and monitoring when side effects are pronounced usually require an in-person visit. The doctor will tell you this directly rather than continuing the consultation just to tick a box.
How a Video Consultation With a Psychiatrist Works
Steps of an online appointment in Kazakhstan: 1) you send a request by phone or messenger and choose a convenient time; 2) the administrator sends you a link and a short questionnaire — you can fill it in beforehand or skip it; 3) prepare a list of the medications you take, any discharge summaries and test results if you have them; 4) the appointment itself: a conversation, clarifying questions and questionnaires if needed; 5) a written conclusion and recommendations. A follow-up consultation is scheduled in 1–4 weeks, depending on the situation.
The online format is not suitable if a person is in acute psychosis, is unaware of their condition, expresses an intention to harm themselves or others, or is severely intoxicated or confused. In these cases, a psychiatrist home visit or inpatient care is needed, and if there is a direct threat to life, call 103 or 112. Children and teenagers in crisis can call the helpline at 150.
How we help
Initial diagnostic consultation
A structured interview after which the doctor forms a preliminary diagnostic hypothesis and assesses how severe the condition is and the level of risk. The patient gets a clear answer: whether there are signs of a mental disorder, which specialist to see next and in what format, and which tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes of the symptoms.
Monitoring during treatment
Follow-up online visits are a convenient way to assess how well treatment is working, how medications are tolerated, and to adjust recommendations. The doctor checks changes in sleep, mood and anxiety, as well as side effects. Only a doctor may change a treatment regimen; stopping antidepressants or mood stabilizers on your own can cause discontinuation syndrome or a relapse.
Consultation for family members
A loved one can seek advice without the patient being present. The doctor explains which signs require urgent help, how to motivate someone to get treatment without pressure or ultimatums, and how to respond to outbursts of irritability or suspiciousness. No diagnosis is made in the patient's absence, but the relative receives a concrete action plan.
Referral to related specialists
If the symptoms call for psychotherapy or a neurological or endocrine workup, the doctor will say so and explain the process. The psychotherapist and psychologist on the Narcology 24 team work with anxiety, depression and family issues; they do not prescribe medication — drug treatment is managed by the psychiatrist. Referrals are issued in writing.
Myths and facts
MythAn online psychiatrist isn't serious — you can't tell anything over video
FactPsychiatric diagnosis relies largely on conversation and observation, so the video format can handle most of the tasks of an initial appointment. International guidelines recognize telepsychiatry as an acceptable approach. There are limitations, and the doctor will honestly tell you when an in-person examination is needed.
MythAfter a consultation you will definitely be put on the registry
FactNo dispensary registration is made after a paid anonymous consultation. Information about your visit is protected by medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System” and is disclosed only in cases expressly provided for by law.
MythA psychiatrist will immediately prescribe strong pills
FactMedication is not an automatic outcome of an appointment. For mild conditions, psychotherapy and changes to daily routine are often enough. If medication is needed, the doctor explains the drug class, the expected effect, the timeline and possible side effects, and the decision is made together with you.
How a home visit works
- Call or message usThe dispatcher answers 24/7 and in 3–5 minutes checks the person's condition, age, how long the drinking or use has lasted, chronic conditions and the address. No surname needed.
- The doctor sets offAn addiction doctor or psychiatrist comes with equipment and medication. Travel time depends on the district — usually within an hour. If inpatient care or an ambulance is needed, we'll say so straight away.
- Examination and treatmentBlood pressure, pulse, oxygen saturation, blood sugar if needed and a neurological check. Then an IV drip or other treatment as indicated, 1–3 hours.
- A plan for the next daysAdvice for the family on what to do overnight and tomorrow, phone follow-up and a repeat visit if needed.
- Further treatmentCoding, psychotherapy, rehab or psychiatric follow-up — once the acute state has passed and the person is ready.
Prices in Kazakhstan
| Online psychiatrist consultation | 15 000 ₸ |
| In-person psychiatrist consultation | 18 000 ₸ |
| Psychiatrist home visit | 40 000 ₸ |
| Phone advice | free |
The final cost is agreed before treatment starts. Prices are in tenge and do not constitute a public offer.
Where to get help
“Online psychiatrist consultation” is available in 45 cities of Kazakhstan: home visits, branch appointments and inpatient care when indicated. Online consultations with an addiction doctor or psychiatrist are available from anywhere in the world. Choose your city at the top of the page to see addresses and visit times.
Confidential and private
in Kazakhstan our doctor can come in ordinary clothes in an unmarked car. Treatment documents are given only to the patient. If you need a certificate or sick note, this is discussed separately and only at your request.
Questions and answers
Can I get a prescription after an online consultation?
Whether a prescription can be issued depends on the drug class and the current regulations of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Some recommendations are provided in writing, while certain medications can only be prescribed after an in-person appointment. The doctor will explain in advance what is possible in your case so that you don't lose time.
What do I need for an online psychiatrist consultation?
A smartphone or computer with a camera and microphone, a stable internet connection, and a place where no one else can overhear you. It is a good idea to prepare a list of your medications with the dosages from your documents, any discharge summaries and test results, and to write down your main questions so you don't forget anything during the appointment.
Can I have a consultation from abroad?
Yes, consultations are available from any country with internet access. Keep in mind that prescriptions and medical documents are valid according to the rules of the country where you will use them. The doctor will help you understand what can be handled remotely and what will require a local specialist.
How much does an online psychiatrist consultation cost?
The cost depends on the type of appointment: an initial consultation, a follow-up, or a consultation for family members. Please check current prices with the Narcology 24 administrator when booking. No additional charges are made during the appointment without your consent.
Will my employer find out that I sought help?
No. The clinic does not share information with your employer, school or relatives without your consent. Medical information is protected by medical confidentiality, and a paid anonymous consultation in Kazakhstan is carried out without registration on the dispensary registry.
What should I do if my condition suddenly gets worse?
If you have suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, aggression or confusion, call 103 or 112 immediately — an online consultation does not replace emergency care in these situations. Once your condition has stabilized, you can continue to see a psychiatrist in whatever format suits you.
Sources and methodology
This page was prepared by the Narcology 24 medical editorial team based on:
- International Classification of Diseases ICD-10 and ICD-11, World Health Organization
- Clinical diagnosis and treatment protocols of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan
- Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System”
- NICE (UK) guidelines on alcohol and drug misuse and mental health conditions
- WHO recommendations on the treatment of substance use disorders
This information is for reference only and does not replace a consultation with a specialist. Editorial policy
